Governor Edwards will host his annual end-of-the-year press conference this morning. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects Edwards to tout the budget surplus that’s allowed him to make critical investments like roads and bridges and teacher pay raises.
“I think his main point will be, look how well the state is doing. He’s going to point to the state’s 3.9 unemployment rate in the state almost to a historic low,” said Cross.
This will also be the first time since criminal charges against five law enforcement officers in the Ronald Greene death that Edwards will face the media. Cross believes the governor will tread lightly on the topic. Cross said the real question is what did Edwards know and when did he know it.
“I think he will say I did nothing wrong, and I was transparent, but in fact, that’s all going to come out I think as we move forward on this,” said Cross.
Cross expects Edwards to avoid discussing what led to the resignation of Secretary Marketa Garner Walters at the Department of Children and Family Services.
As for what to expect in his last year in office Cross said Edwards will do what he can to leave his mark despite having lame-duck status.
“He’s going to try to make it a victory lap but everyone’s already talking about who’s likely to win the next governor’s election so his power will be somewhat less,” said Cross.
Cross said he feels Edwards will be judged favorably when his term ends especially on how he responded to hurricanes and the pandemic.
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